Maresca accepts Chelsea were second best in Flamengo loss

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca admitted his team were deservedly beaten by Flamengo following their 3-1 loss to the Brazilians at the Club World Cup on Friday, but said Nicolas Jackson's second-half sending-off would have no impact on his future at Stamford Bridge.

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“Six minutes completely changed the dynamic of the game,” Maresca said after Flamengo came from behind to lead 2-1 with two quickfire goals just after the hour mark before Jackson's red card left Chelsea down to IO men.

Pedro Neto gave the Blues an early lead at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, but Bruno came off the bench to equalise for Flamengo and then set up Danilo to make it 2-1.

Jackson, who had come on as a substitute, was then dismissed for a dangerous tackle on Ayrton Lucas and Flamengo made the most of the extra man as Wallace Yan wrapped up their win late on.

It was Jackson’s second red card in a short space of time after he was also sent off in a 2-0 Premier League loss at Newcastle United just over a month ago.

He had started Friday's game on the bench as Liam Delap made a first start for his new club, and the former Ipswich Town player could now have a chance to establish himself as Maresca’s first choice up front.